Washing and sanitizing apparatus for carts such as hospital carts

ABSTRACT

A washing apparatus especially adapted for washing and sanitizing containers such as hospital carts. The apparatus includes a washing chamber having selectively closable door openings on opposite sides thereof adapted for receiving and dishcarging carts to be washed. A track is provided on the floor of the chamber between the door openings for guiding carts through the chamber. A washing mechanism is provided within the washing chamber, adapted to receive washing and sanitizing fluid from a remote source and to direct a spray of such fluid upon the carts. The washing mechanism is suspended from the ceiling of the washing chamber and includes a first nozzle boom that normally extends vertically down along the outside of a cart positioned within the chamber, and a second nozzle boom that normally extends horizontally above the cart. A washingfluid operated cylinder is provided for selectively moving or pivoting the second nozzle boom downwardly into the interior of the cart, whereby it assumes a vertical position generally opposite the first nozzle boom. A motor is provided for selectively rotating the washing mechanism with respect to the cart during a washing cycle with the force of the spray delivered against the outer surface of the cart by the first nozzle boom being offset by the oppositely directed force of the spray delivered against the inside of thecart by the second nozzle boom. A timer control is provided for automatically controlling the delivery of fluids to the washing mechanism during a washing operation and a blower is provided in a separate drying chamber for circulating hot air around the sanitized cart to dry it.

nited States i te Crosswhite 51 .lune5,1973

[54] WASHING AND SANITIZING APPARATUS FOR CARTS SUCH AS HOSPITAL CARTS3,096,775 7/1963 Clarke et a1. ..134/123 3,167,797 2/1965 Hergonson134/123 X 3,289,238 12/1966 Sorenson et a1. ..134/123 X 3,444,867 5/1969Thornton 134/123 Primary Examiner-Robert L. Bleutge Attorney-Kolisch,Hartwell & Dickinson [5 7] ABSTRACT A washing apparatus especiallyadapted for washing and sanitizing containers such as hospital carts.The apparatus includes a washing chamber having selectively closabledoor openings on opposite sides thereof adapted for receiving anddishcarging carts to be washed. A track is provided on the floor of thechamber between the door openings for guiding carts through the chamber.A washing mechanism is provided within the washing chamber, adapted toreceive washing and sanitizing fluid from a remote source and to directa spray of such fluid upon the carts. The washing mechanism is suspendedfrom the ceiling of the washing chamber and includes a first nozzle boomthat normally extends vertically down along the outside of a cartpositioned within the chamber, and a second nozzle boom that normallyextends horizontally above the cart. A washingfluid operated cylinder isprovided for selectively moving or pivoting the second nozzle boomdownwardly into the interior of the cart, whereby it assumes a verticalposition generally opposite the first nozzle boom. A motor is providedfor selectively rotating the washing mechanism with respect to the cartduring a washing cycle with the force of the spray delivered against theouter surface of the cart by the first nozzle boom being offset by theoppositely directed force of the spray delivered against the inside ofthecart by the second nozzle boom. A timer control is provided forautomatically controlling the delivery of fluids to the washingmechanism during a washing operation and a blower is provided in aseparate drying chamber for circulating hot air around the sanitizedcart to dry it.

7 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTED JUN 5 I975 SHEET 10F 3 N m "lull:WN. Y. xkfl w w A C 5 3T M mm M g y W H Z l PATENTEDJUH 5|975 SHEET 20F3 PATENTEDJUH 5 I975 SHEET 3 BF 3 IIIIII/III/[III/II IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 71111111 IIIIIIIII BERT CROSSWHITE INVENTOR.

{BY/44 4, may?! ma.

ATTY.

WASHING AND SANITIZING APPARATUS FOR CARTS SUCH AS HOSPITAL CARTSBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns a washingapparatus especially adapted for washing containers. More particularlythe invention relates to a washing apparatus especially adapted forwashing and sanitizing hospital carts with open tops.

A wide variety of open or uncovered cart-like containers are presentlyused in industry for various purposes. For example, uncovered wheeledcarts or delivery trucks are used in many commercial establishments forhandling waste materials, soiled linens, and trash. In addition, similarportable containers are used in restaurants for delivery of food and inhospitals, hotels and motels for carrying clean linens and supplies. Inall such uses it is necessary to periodically clean and sanitize thecontainers. At the present time this is usually done by hand washing thecontainers.

Hand washing of containers is a time consuming, difficult and expensivetask. Consequently, it has been found that in many establishments, suchcontainers are not washed regularly. Furthermore it has been found thatsome of the hand washed containers are not satisfactorily clean.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the inventionto provide a washing apparatus for automatically washing and sanitizingcontainers such as hospital carts.

It is another object of the invention to provide a washing apparatus forhospital carts which cleans and sanitizes such carts faster, moreeffectively and more economically than can be done by hand washing.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a washing apparatushaving a relatively short automatic washing cycle that can be utilizedfor washing plastic carts with a high temperature washing fluid.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an automaticwashing apparatus for open or uncovered hospital carts that utilizes anovel washing mechanism capable of directing a spray of washing fluidover both the inside and outside surfaces of the carts.

Still another object of the invention is to provide such a washingmechanism wherein the washing fluid directed against the outsidesurfaces of the cart being washed is offset or balanced by the force ofthe washing fluid being directed against the inside surfaces of the cartso that the cart need not be anchored during the washing operation.

These and other objects of the invention are attained in a washingapparatus that includes a washing chamber having door openings inopposite sides thereof adapted for receiving and discharging carts to bewashed. Movable doors are provided selectively to close the dooropenings. A blower is provided in an adjacent drying chamber forcirculating hot air around the clean carts to dry them. A guide trackand a conveyor are provided on the floor of the chambers between thedoors openings thereof for moving carts successively through the washingchamber and the drying chamber.

A washing mechanism is provided within the washing chamber adapted toreceive washing and sanitizing fluid from remote sources and to direct aspray of such fluid upon the carts. The washing mechanism is suspendedfrom the ceiling of the washing chamber and includes a first nozzle boomthat normally extends downwardly along the outside of a cart positionedwithin the washing chamber, and a second nozzle boom that normallyextends above the cart. A washing-fluid operated cylinder is providedfor selectively moving or pivoting the second nozzle boom downwardlyinto the interior of the cart so that it assumes a vertical positiongenerally opposite the first nozzle boom. Driving means are provided forselectively rotating the entire washing mechanism with respect to thecart during a washing cycle. As the washing mechanism is rotated, theforce of the spray delivered against the outer surfaces of the cart bythe first nozzle boom is offset or balanced by the oppositely directedforce of the spray delivered against the interior cart surfaces by thesecond nozzle boom. Timing and control means are provided forautomatically controlling the delivery of the washing fluid to themechanism during a washing cycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of theinvention will become apparent from the following detailed description,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the washing apparatus with a cartpositioned in the washing chamber;

FIG. 2 is an end elevation view in section of the washing chamberillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of the washing and drying chambers ofthe apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the fluid supply system and controlsystem for the washing apparatus described;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary isometric view illustrating the details of thewashing mechanism utilized in the appar atus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view, in section, taken along line 6-6in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view, in cross section, taken alonglines 77 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary top view taken along lines 88 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side view taken along lines 99 in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings onepreferred embodiment of the invention is described in the form of'awashing apparatus especially adapted for washing and sanitizing openhospital carts. However, it should be realized that the washingapparatus described can be utilized for cleaning a wide variety of othercontainers, such as portable delivery carts and trucks or basket typecontainers, for example.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1-3 a washing appa ratus 10 is generallyindicated comprising a cabinet 14 including a washing chamber 11 and adrying chamber I2. A conventional hospital cart 13 is illustrated withinthe washing chamber, adapted to be cleaned and santized by theapparatus. The cart includes a floor having wheels secured on the bottomthereof and supporting generally vertical side walls connected to form acubical chamber having an open or uncovered top. The bottom of each cartis provided with one or more small drainage openings or holes. One sidewall of the cart is partially cut down to provide greater ease ofloading and unloading. Such carts are conventionally made of fiberglass,stainless steel, or other suitable materials. Carts of the typeillustrated are manufactured by Me- Clure Plastics Co., Inc. as Model600. However, it should be apparent that the cart illustrated is onlyexemplary and other carts of different materials or configurations couldbe processed by the washing apparatus described.

The washing chamber and the drying chamber are of approximately equalsize, each being adapted to receive and confine one cart during awashing or drying operation. The walls 17, domed ceiling and floor 18 ofthe cabinet are fabricated of any suitable material, such as fiberglassor stainless steel, that is water resistant.

A partition 20 is provided, extending across both the washing chamberand the drying chamber below ceiling 15 of the cabinet. The area betweendomed ceiling 15 and correspondingly domed partition 20 comprises anopen equipment chamber 21 that extends the full length of the cabinet asillustrated best in FIG. 3. Floor 18 of the cabinet is attached to theside walls approximately 6 inches above the bottom of the cabinet toprovide a drainage chamber 25 beneath the cabinet. Door openings 30, 32,respectively, are provided at the opposite ends of the cabinet, adaptedto communicate with the washing chamber and the drying chamber. A dooropening 34 is provided in a partition 35 positioned between washingchamber 11 and drying chamber 12. Door opening 34 permits carts to bemoved from one chamber to the other. The cabinet and door openings canbe made of suitable size to accommodate carts of a desired size.However, the embodiment illustrated is intended for use with carts about3 feet wide and up to 6 feet high. I

Doors 36 and 37 are provided to selectively close door openings 30, 34respectively, as best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The doors are ofsimilar design, each being formed with a curved outline between the sideedges thereof. The doors are similarly suspended and therefore only onedoor suspension system will be described, it being understood thatlikemeans of the other suspension system are designated by likenumerals. Door 36 is supported from the chamber ceiling by a frame 38that includes angularly spaced arms 39, 40 each attached at its outerend to the upper end of the door by suitable means, such as boltedjoints. The inner ends of the arms are joined to a hub 41 that ispivotably secured to a shaft 42 attached to partition 20 of the chamber.

A semicircular track 43 is secured in depending relationship topartition 20. A rotatable wheel 46 is secured to each of arms 35 40 inalignment with track 43 so that the doors can be moved along the tracksbetween opened and closed positions by pivoting the arms and hub 41 withrespect to shaft 42.

Linkage means are provided for moving doors 36, 37 in unison comprisingan arm 62 pivotably secured at one end to arm 40 of the door 37 supportassembly and pivotably secured at its other end to an end of an arm 61.The other end of arm 61 is rigidly secured to arm 39 of the door 36support assembly.

Power means are also provided for operating the doors, comprising adouble acting hydraulic ram 64 having its cylinder end connected topartition 20 and its rod end pivotably connected to the middle of one ofthe arms 39. The ram is supplied with fluid from a suitable source andis operated by suitable control means, to open and close the doors atappropriate times in the cart washing cycle.

As shown in FIG. 1, the end walls of the Washing chamber are formed withinwardly extending edges 65 adjacent the door openings so that thecurved doors are spaced closely to edges 65, when closed, and form aneffective water barrier. A door similar to those described above can beprovided in the other end of the drying chamber although this is notessential.

A blower 68 is provided within chamber 21 having an outlet air duct 69associated therewith that opens into the top of the drying chamber. Theblower can be selectively operated, by suitable control means, to drythe sanitized carts in a manner explained hereinafter.

If desired, the drying operations could be carried out within thewashing chamber after the washing operation. In that event duct 69 wouldbe connected directly into the washing chamber and the need for aseparate drying chamber would be eliminated. This would result.

in a more compact structure but the time for processing a given cartwould be increased.

As best seen in FIG. 2 floor 18 has a depressed channel 48 formedtherein, spaced slightly inwardly from one side of door opening 30, toreceive and guide the caster or roller of a cart, such as cart 13. Asomewhat wider depressed channel 50 is formed in floor 18, spaced nearthe other side of the door opening, to receive the casters on the otherside of cart 11. It should be apparent that, with the floorconfiguration shown, carts of different widths can be accommodatedeasily and guided through the washing chamber. The nondepressed surfacesof floor 18 are generally sloped from the outer sides of the cabinet tothe center thereof so that fluid within the cabinet will gather inchannel 50. A drain opening 51 is provided in channel 50 of the floor toremove washing fluid from the cabinet. A pipe, not illustrated, can beconnected between drain opening 51 and a suitable drainage site for theultimate disposal of the washing fluid.

A movable conveyor or track 60 is provided on the floor of the cabinetextending the length of the cabinet within channel 50. The conveyor is apower-operated conveyor of conventional design and is adapted to bereleasably connected to the carts by suitable means to move them throughthe washing chamber and the drying chamber. Control means can beprovided to start and stop the conveyor and carts at the appropriatepositions for washing and drying the carts. Alternatively, the carts canbe placed in the cabinet by hand and moved from the washing chamber tothe drying chamber at an appropriate time by the same mode. A ramp 49 isprovided beneath door opening 30 to facilitate entry of the carts, and asimilar ramp is provided at the other end of the chamber.

A start switch 55 having a start button 56 is mounted on the outside ofthe cabinet near-door opening 30. A red light 52 and a green light 54are provided on the outside of the cabinet, also near door opening 30.Red light 52 is energized when the washing apparatus is started andgreen light is energized upon completion of a washing cycle in a mannerexplained hereinafter.

A washing mechanism is provided within the washing chamber, suspendedfrom partition 2d. The washing mechanism is connected with aconventional coupling positioned in the upper equipment chamber. Theouter housing of the coupling is fixed to the partition, and an internalshell of the coupling and the washing mechanism attached thereto areboth adapted to be rotated by a motor 78 also positioned in the upperequipment chamber.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 5 and 7 coupling 80 is illustratedcomprising an outer wall or casing 81 having an extended flange 82formed about the lower end thereof. The upper end of the coupling isgenerally closed by a top wall 83 connected with wall 81. The couplingis suspended above partition on four hollow sleeves or legs 85 which actas stilts for supporting the coupling. The legs are secured in positionbetween partition 20 and flange 82 by bolts 86 that extend throughsuitable holes in flange 82, through the hollow legs and throughsuitable holes in partition 20. A nut 88 is received upon the threadedlower end 87 of each bolt.

Coupling 80 includes a hollow internal mixing chamber 90 which ispartially bounded by walls 81., 83. A port 92 formed in top wall 83 anda port 94 formed in outer wall 81 of the coupling near the upper endthereof communicate with chamber 90. A pipe 96 is threadably engaged inport 92 to furnish fluid, such as germicidal solution, to chamber 90 ina manner described hereinafter. Another pipe 98 is threadably engaged inport 94 to provide fluid, such as detergent and washing fluid,-tochamber 90, also in a manner described hereinafter.

The lower end of mixing chamber 90 is bounded by a plate 102 that fitswithin a recessed face 104 formed in wall 81 of the coupling. Plate 102is retained in position by a compressable ring 106 that normally locksin a groove 107 provided in face 104. A pipe 110 extends through anopening 112 formed in the center of plate 102 and communicates withinternal chamber 90. A seal 114i is provided, in a slot 116 formedaround the formed in pipe 110. The ball otherwise rests in acorresponding opening 144 formed in collar 152. The periphery of opening144 is threaded and a compressible spring 146 is retained between ball141 and a plug 147 threadably engaged in opening 144. The force exertedupon the ball by spring 146 is sufficient to enable rotaperiphery ofopening 112, to sealingly engage pipe 110.

The upper end of pipe is open and a pair of holes 117 are formed in thepipe near the upper end thereof to receive fluid from chamber 90. Acompressible spring 113 is provided between the inner end of pipe 110and the outer wall of the chamber.

Pipe 110 is rotatably supported within chamber 90 by an upper thrustbearing 118 having an inner ring 120 secured to the pipe and an outerring 122 receives in a slot 124 defined between a sleeve 123 and wall 81of coupling 80. A lower thrust bearing 126 is also provided, having aninner ring 127 secured to pipe 1 10 and an outer ring 128 received in aslot 129 defined by sleeve 123, wall 81, and plate 1112.

Referring particularly to FIG. 5, pipe 110 extends down through anopening 130 formed in partition 20 and is connected to a coupling 132 ofwashing mechanism 75. A sleeve 135 is provided around opening 130, beingsecured to the partition by bolts 136 to serve as a guide bushing forpipe 110.

A toothed gear is provided around pipe 110 just above partition 20,having a collar 152 that is releasably secured to the pipe by a clutch140. Gear 150 is aligned with a corresponding gear 155 mounted on theshaft of drive motor 78 and a chain 156 is trained around both gears.Accordingly rotation of drive motor 78 causes rotation of pipe 110 andthe washing mechanism in a clockwise direction as viewed from the top ofthe cabinet.

Clutch 140 includes a ball 141 adapted to seat to a depth of aboutone-half its diameter in a recess 143 tion of pipe 110 and the washingmechanism during normal conditions. However, should the washingmechanism encounter an obstacle within the washing chamber, the ballwill be forced out of recess M3 and collar 152 will turn freely uponpipe 116.

Referring to F IG. 6 a positioning device for the washing mechanism isparticularly illustrated. A collar 1611 is secured to pipe 110 justabove gear 151), having a finger 162 extending therefrom adapted torotate with pipe 110 in the direction indicated by the arrow. A doubleacting air-operated ram 165 is provided having its cylinder end 167secured to the upper side of partition 211. The extensible shaft 168 ofthe ram is aligned with finger 162 when the shaft is extended, so as toprevent the pipe from rotating. However, upon operation of the ram,shaft 168 can be withdrawn into the cylinder to permit free rotation ofthe pipe. Ram 165 is supplied with air from a suitable source, notillustrated, under the selective control of a solenoid valve 1711.

Referring again to FIG. 5 the washing mechanism '75 is illustrated indetail. A coupling 138 is provided in pipe 110 below the partition tofacilitate installation of the washing mechanism. Pipe T-coupling 132 issecured at the lower end of pipe 1 10, having a pipe elbow 181 securedto its lower opening 182 and a short section of pipe 184 engaged in aside opening 185. A length of pipe 186 is secured to the outlet end ofelbow 181 and extends in a generally horizontal attitude across the topof the washing chamber. A 90 pipe elbow 188 is secured at the outer endof pipe 186 and an elongate pipe or boom 190 is secured to the outletend of elbow 188. Boom 190 extends downwardly at a 90 angle with respectto pipe 186 and is adapted to extend generally parallel to the side of acart positioned within the washing chamber, as is illustrated in FIG. 1.Boom 190 is closed at its lower end and is provided with a plurality ofnozzles 192, secured within suitable openings provided at preselectedintervals along the boom, to direct a spray of fluid toward the centerof the washing chamber and on to the outer surfaces of the cart.

A 90 pipe elbow 194 is secured to the outlet end of pipe 184 and a shortlength of pipe 196 is secured to the outlet end of elbow 194 extendingdownwardly at a 90 angle with respect to pipe 184. Another 90 pipe elbow198 is secured at the outlet end of pipe 196 and a length of pipe 200 issecured to the outlet end'of elbow 198 adapted to extend in a generallyhorizontal attitude toward the center of rotation of pipe 110. Acoupling 210 is supported at the end of pipe 200. Coupling 2111 is ofaconventional design similar to the coupling illustrated in FIG. 7, withpipe 200 occupying the position of pipe 110 as illustrated in FIG. 7.Coupling 2111 differs from the coupling illustrated in FIG. 7 in thatreverse flow is provided through coupling 2111, i.e., fluid flows intothe coupling through pipe 2011.. Furthermore pipe 200 is stationary andthe outer shell of coupling 210 is adapted to rotate around the pipe.Also coupling 210 is provided with only a single outlet opening 213 towhich a pipe or inner boom 2141 is attached. Boom 214 is closed at itslower end and is provided with a plurality of nozzles 216 secured inopenings 215 spaced at preselected intervals along the length thereof.Nozzles 216 are positioned to direct a spray upon the surfaces of thecart in a manner explained in detail hereinafter.

A washing-fluid operated hydraulic ram 220 is provided for selectivelypositioning boom 214. As shown in FIG. 5, ram 220 comprises a cylinder222 having an extensible shaft 224 secured within the cylinder. The ramis attached at the cylinder end to a bracket 226 that is mounted on pipe186; and at the shaft end, the ram is attached by means of a clevis 228and pin 229 to a lever 230. Lever 230 is fixedly secured to the outerwall or casing of coupling 210.

A fluid supply system for ram 220 is provided including a flow reducingvalve 232 secured within a suitable opening in pipe 186 adaptedtoreceive washing fluid when such flows in pipe 186. The flow reducingvalve is of conventional design and serves to reduce the fluid flow fromthat available in pipe 186 to a smaller flow suitable for operating theram. An outlet opening in valve 232 is connected to one end of aflexible hose 234, with the other end of hose 234 being connected to theinlet of a manually operated valve 238. The out let end of valve 238 isconnected to a suitable opening in cylinder 222 of the ram.

A compressed coil spring, not visible, is provided within cylinder 222adapted to normally bias shaft 224 within the cylinder. With the shaftso positioned, lever 230 and coupling 210 are rotated so that boom 214extends in a substantially horizontal position, as illustrated in solidoutline in FIG. 1. However, upon flow of sufficient fluid into pipe 186and on through hose 234 to the cylinder, shaft 224 is extended causingcoupling .210 and boom 214 to rotate downwardly through a 90 angle sothat boom 214 is positioned within the interior of a cart located withinthe washing chamber, as illustrated in broken outline FIG. 1. Valve 238can be positioned manually to cut off flow of fluid through line 234. Inthat event, boom 214 remains in its raised position.

Referring now to FIG. 4 a schematic diagram of a fluid supply system andcontrol system for the washing apparatus is illustrated. Referring tothe top of FIG. 4 a hot water reservoir 250 is provided having anoutflow line 252 connected to an opening in the bottom thereof todeliver hot water under gravity flow to the inlet of a pump 254operatively connected to a motor 256. Pump 254 serves to pressurize thehot water and deliver it on the outlet side of the pump through a line258 to a regulating valve 260. Regulating valve 260 is adapted tomaintain a constant pressure in a line 262 connected to the outlet ofvalve 260. Pjmp 254 works steadily against regulating valve 260 and anyexcess flow ino valve 260 is bypassed from the valve through a line 264and returned to reservoir 250.

Line 262 is otherwise connected to the inlet ofa solenoid controlledvalve 265 having a pair of outlet ports. The first outlet port 266 ofvalve 265 is connected to bypass line 264by a line 267. The secondoutlet port 268 of valve 265 is connected to line 98 that is alsoconnected to inlet port 94 of coupling 80. Valve 265 is normallypositioned, when deenergized, to permit fluid flow between its inletport and its first outlet or bypass port. When energized, the valve isrepositioned to permit fluid flow from the inlet port to the secondoutlet port. Thus, hot water can be selectively supplied from thereservoir through coupling to the booms of the washing apparatus.

Referring again to the upper portion of FIG. 4 a wetting agent reservoir290 and a germicidal-detergent reservoir 280 are illustrated. A fluidsupply line 282 is connected to an opening in the bottom of reservoir280 for supplying detergent to the inlet of a solenoid controlled valve284. In similar fashion a fluid supply line 292 is connected to anopening in the bottom of reservoir 290, for supplying wetting agent tothe inlet side of a solenoid controlled valve 294. The outlets of valves284, 294 are connected, respectively, to opposite ends of a line 296. Asupply line 298 is connected into the center of line 296 andcommunicates with the inlet port of a pump 300 operatively connected toa motor .382. The outlet port of pump 300 is connected through a line 96to the second inlet port 92 of coupling 84)). Valves 284 and 294 areadapted to be closed when deenergized and open when energized.Accordingly either wetting agent or germicidal-detergent solution can beselectively supplied from the respective reservoirs through coupling 80to the washing mechanism.

An electrical timer 320 is provided for controlling the valves and thepump motors. Timer 320 is of a conventional design having a shaft 322that is rotated at a constant speed by a motor 324, when energized.Shaft 322 supports a plurality of cams 326 secured thereto for rotation.Each cam is associated with one of a corresponding plurality ofmicroswitches 328 positioned adjacent to the cams for operation thereby.Upon rotation of shaft 322 through a predetermined angle, such as onerevolution, each cam on shaft 322 opens and subsequently closes thecontacts of its corresponding microswitch after an interval whichdepends upon the length of the cam. The timing of the opening of thecontacts of each microswitch can be preset by loosening the appropriatecam on shaft 322, rotating the cam to a desired position and then fixingthe cam on the shaft at that position. Accordingly, a programmedsequence of operation for all the cams and switches during one rotationof the shaft can be established.

In the embodiment illustrated the microswitches are numbered one througheight from the motor end of the shaft 322. Each switch is adapted tocontrol the supply of power from a suitable source 330 through aparticular power cable to a component of the control system.

More specifically, switch one controls the supply of power to red light52on the cabinet and motor 326 of the timer. Switch one also controlsthe supply of power to blower 68. Switch two controls green light 54 andswitch three controls the solenoid of valve 284. Switch four controlsthe solenoid of valve 294, switch five controls motor 302 of pump 300and switch six controls motor 256 of pump 254. Switch seven controls thesolenoid of valve 262 and switch eight controls the main drive motor 78and the solenoid for the positioning device.

A typical cycle of operation will now be described, it being assumedthat a cart is properly positioned within the washing chamber asillustrated in FIG. 11 and that the hot water, wetting agent andgermicidal-detergent reservoirs are full. The start switch button ispushed and motor 320 is energized. A conventional holding circuit isprovided, within the start switch housing to hold the motor power onmomentarily until the earn of switch one is rotated sufficiently so thattimer motor 320 and red light 52 are energized through the switch onepower circuit. The timer motor power circuit is then maintained in anenergized or closed condition by switch one for a predetermined time,such as the interval of one rotation of shaft 322 and is thendeenergized or opened. This time interval defines the length of a cycleof operation of the washing apparatus which in the embodiment describedis slightly over thirty seconds. During such interval the timer shaftrotates at a constant velocity, red light 52 is energized, and blower 68is receiving power whereby hot air is delivered into the drying chamber.

Shortly after timer motor 320 is energized, switches five and six areclosed so that power is supplied to motor 302 to operate pump 300, andto motor 256 to operate pump 254. Switches five and six remain closedand these pumps continue to operate throughout the rest of the operatingcycle.

With the pumps operating, switch number seven is closed so that valve265 is operated to permit flow through its second outlet port and hotwater is supplied through valve 265 to coupling 80. The hot water supplyto coupling 80 is continued throughout the remainder of the 30-secondcycle and then cut-off by closure of valve 265. After valve 265 isinitially opened switch three is immediately closed and valve 284 isoperated to supply germicidal-detergent to pump 300 and through line 302to coupling 80. The detergent is supplied for about one-half of the30-second interval. At the end of that time switch number three isopened and solenoid valve 284 is closed. During the supply of detergentand hot water to coupling 80 the fluids are thoroughly mixed in chamber90 of the coupling to insure effective distribution of the detergent inthe hot water. The mixture of fluid is then delivered through pipe 110to the washing booms.

Upon the initial delivery of fluid through pipes 110 and 186 the fluidoperates ram 220 and rotates coupling 210 and boom 214 through a 90angle so that boom 214 is positioned and maintained within the interiorof a cart to be washed. If boom 214 is not to be utilized in a givenwashing operation, valve 238 is operated manually before the cycle isinitiated to cut off flow through line 234 so that fluid does not reachram 220.

A short interval after boom 214 is positioned within the cart and fluidis delivered to the boom nozzles, switch eight is closed so that poweris delivered to solenoid 170 and to the main drive motor 78. Thesolenoid operates to move lever 165 to the noncontact position so thatpipe 110 is free to rotate, driven by the main drive motor. Pipe 110 andthe entire washing mechanism are then rotated in a clockwise direction,as viewed from the top of the cabinet, through a predetermined number ofrotations. In the embodiment described, the main drive motor is adaptedto operate at a speed which will drive the booms of the washingmechanism through approximately four revolutions during a 30-secondwashing interval. During the first two revolutions a mixture ofdetergent and hot water is directed through the nozzles of both boomsagainst the surfaces of the cart. It should be noted that the force ofthe spray from the respective booms is directed in relative oppositionagainst the vertical walls of the cart. Accordingly, the cart is notblown about by the spray and need not be anchored within the washingchamber.

After about seconds, switch three is opened and the supply of detergentto the booms is stopped. Upon cessation of the detergent, switch four isclosed so that solenoid valve 294 is operated to deliver a wetting agentto pump 300 and coupling 80. The wetting agent is provided for al5-second interval during which time it is mixed with the hot water incoupling 84 and supplied to the booms. The mixture of wetting agent andhot water is directed upon the cart in the same fashion as the otherfluids. This serves to apply a uniform coating of wetting agent to allthe sprayed surfaces. The wetting agent is used to lower the surfacetension of the water to cause it to run off the cart rather than formbeads on the surface thereof. This greatly speeds the drying of thecart.

At the end of the 30-second washing cycle, all the switches except oneand two are opened whereby power is cut off to the pumps and valvesolenoids. Power is also removed from motor 78 and solenoid 170. Thiscauses movement of shaft 168 to a position that will engage finger 162.Consequently as pipe rotates freely under the momentum of thedeenergized main drive motor, finger 162 engages the end of shaft 168and pipe 110 is stopped with boom 214 positioned adjacent the open sideof the cart. Thereafter, upon reduction of the fluid pressure in ram220, shaft 224 is withdrawn by spring force into cylinder 222 and boom214 is lifted from within the interior of the cart.

After an interval of a few seconds, switch two is closed energizinggreen light 54 to indicate the end of the washing cycle. Switch one isthen opened, switching off the supply of power to the timer motor, tored light 52 and to the blower. Switch 2 is held closed by a delaycircuit for a short interval such as 10 seconds, after which the switchopens and the green light is deenergized. The washing apparatus is thenready for the initiation of the next washing cycle. During the nextwashing cycle, the disinfected cart can be positioned in the dryingchamber and dried by the hot air furnished to the chamber during thecycle. In the event no other carts are to be washed, the blower can beseparately energized by a power circuit not illustrated to dry the cart.Should it be desired to use a drying cycle that is longer than thewashing cycle, the timer can be programmed appropriately. A washed cartwould then be left in the washing chamber until the drying cycle iscompleted. This has some advantage since it affords the wetting agentmore time to perform its function.

A separate control circuit can be provided to enable automatic openingof the doors of the chamber and automatic advance of the cart within thewashing chamher.

It has been found that the washing apparatus described herein operatesvery effectively with carts of the types illustrated, that arefabricated of stainless steel or glass-reinforced plastic. The washingapparatus is advantageous in that it produces a thoroughly clean anddisinfected cart within a short washing cycle without hand labor.Furthermore, the use of hot water during the short washing interval doesnot deteriorate or soften the fiberglass used in the carts, as oftenhappens during hand washing operations that utilize hot water or steam.This enables effective washing of carts with hot water which washeretofore not practical.

While the apparatus illustrated has been described for the purpose ofwashing open sided carts, it should be apparent that other containers,such as barrels and buckets could be washed therein, with boom 214 beingpositioned in its overhead position for directing a spray down upon thesurfaces thereof.

It is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent: 1. Washingapparatus adapted for sanitizing delivery carts comprising:

a washing chamber adapted to receive a cart to be washed, first nozzlemeans suspended within the chamber for directing a spray of washingfluid against the exterior surfaces of a cart positioned within saidchamber, second nozzle means suspended within said chamber for directinga spray of washing fluid against the interior surfaces of a cartpositioned within said chamber a supply of washing fluid which may beselectively connected to said first and second nozzle means, power meansconnected to both nozzle means for selectively moving said nozzlemeansin a circumferential path with respect to said cart and washingfluid operated means connected to said second nozzle means forpositioning said second nozzle means within the interior of said cartwhen washing fluid is supplied to said washing apparatus. 2. A washingapparatus as described in claim 1 and a valve in the fluid circuit ofsaid second nozzle means positioned upstream of the washing fluidoperated means which valve may be operated to control movement of thesecond nozzle means from a normally horizontal position into a verticalposition.

3. Washing apparatus as described in claim 1 further including meansconnecting said second nozzle means for movement by said power means,with said second nozzle means being oriented, when positioned within theinterior of said cart, to direct a spray in a direction opposite to thespray from said first nozzle means so that the spray force exerted onthe cart by said first and second nozzle means are substantiallybalanced as the nozzle means are moved in unison by said power means. 4.Washing apparatus as described in claim 3 wherein said washing chambercomprises a walled enclosure of generally cubical form having dooropenings on two opposite sides thereof adapted to respectively receiveand discharge carts and closing means for selectively closing said dooropenings.

5. Washing apparatus as described in claim 4 wherein said washingchamber includes retaining means on the floor of said chamber foraligning the carts with respect to the door openings, and wherein saidclosing means comprise doors movably suspended within said Washingchamber.

6. Washing apparatus as described in claim 1 further including valvemeans adapted to be connected to said fluid supply and to a detergentsupply;

conduit means connecting said valve means to said first nozzle means,and

timer means for controlling said valve means in a predetermined sequenceto selectively deliver a mixture of fluid and detergent to said firstnozzle means.

7. Apparatus for simultaneously washing the inside and outside of cartscomprising a washing chamber adapted to receive a cart,

a pair of doors each one of which is mounted in an opening in oppositesides of the chamber,

washing means in the chamber comprising,

a first boom vertically mounted in said chamber for directing washingfluid against the exterior surfaces of the cart,

a-second boom normally extending at right angles to the first boom fordirecting washing fluid against the interior surfaces of a cart,

means for connecting both of said booms to a source of washing fluid,

power means for moving said booms in a circular path with respect to thecart, semicircular track means provided in the top of the washingchamber adjacent said openings, doors for each opening operativelyconnected to said track means, linkage connection means between saiddoors so that they open and close simultaneously, and power means forcontrolling operation of said doors.

1. Washing apparatus adapted for sanitizing delivery carts comprising: awashing chamber adapted to receive a cart to be washed, first nozzlemeans suspended within the chamber for directing a spray of washingfluid against the exterior surfaces of a cart positioned within saidchamber, second nozzle means suspended within said chamber for directinga spray of washing fluid against the interior surfaces of a cartpositioned within said chamber a supply of washing fluid which may beselectively connected to said first and second nozzle means, power meansconnected to both nozzle means for selectively moving said nozzle meansin a circumferential path with respect to said cart and washing fluidoperated means connected to said second nozzle means for positioningsaid second nozzle means within the interior of said cart when washingfluid is supplied to said washing apparatus.
 2. A washing apparatus asdescribed in claim 1 and a valve in the fluid circuit of said secondnozzle means positioned upstream of the washing fluid operated meanswhich valve may be operated to control movement of the second nozzlemeans from a normally horizontal position into a vertical position. 3.Washing apparatus as described in claim 1 further including meansconnecting said second nozzle means for movement by said power means,with said second nozzle means being oriented, when positioned within theinterior of said cart, to direct a spray in a direction opposite to thespray from said first nozzle means so that the spray force exerted onthe cart by said first and second nozzle means are substantiallybalanced as the nozzle means are moved in unison by said power means. 4.Washing apparatus as described in claim 3 wherein said washing chambercomprises a walled enclosure of generally cubical form having dooropenings on two opposite sides thereof adapted to respectively receiveand discharge carts and closing means for selectively closing said dooropenings.
 5. Washing apparatus as described in claim 4 wherein saidwashing chamber includes retaining means on the floor of said chamberfor aligning the carts with respect to the door openings, and whereinsaid closing means comprise doors movably suspended within said washingchamber.
 6. Washing apparatus as described in claim 1 further includingvalve means adapted to be connected to said fluid supply and to adetergent supply; conduit means connecting said valve means to saidfirst nozzle means, and timer means for controlling said valve means ina predetermined sequence to selectively deliver a mixture of fluid anddetergent to said first nozzle means.
 7. Apparatus for simultaneouslywashing the inside and outside of carts comprising a washing chamberadapted to receive a cart, a pair of doors each one of which is mountedin an opening in opposite sides of the chamber, washing means in thechamber comprising, a first boom vertically mounted in said chamber fordirecting washing fluid against the exterior surfaces of the cart, asecond boom normally extending at right angles tO the first boom fordirecting washing fluid against the interior surfaces of a cart, meansfor connecting both of said booms to a source of washing fluid, powermeans for moving said booms in a circular path with respect to the cart,semicircular track means provided in the top of the washing chamberadjacent said openings, doors for each opening operatively connected tosaid track means, linkage connection means between said doors so thatthey open and close simultaneously, and power means for controllingoperation of said doors.